Test Drive

(2012) Bb Cl., Bsn, C Tpt., Trb., 1 Perc., Vn., D.B.

Duration: 13 minutes

Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu's millions of monthly readers. Title: Test Drive, Author: Michael Goodman, Name: Test Drive, Length: 43 pages, Page: 1, Published: 2015-01-30

Winner of the 2012 Michigan State University Honors Competition New Music Category

“Test Drive” is a composition that weaves together the influences of Leonard Bernstein's “Prelude, Fugue & Riffs,” “West Side Story,” and Louis Andriessen's “Hoketus.” The ensemble's significance lies in the fact that the instrumentation used in “Test Drive” mirrors, if not precisely, that of Igor Stravinsky's “Histoire du Soldat.”

The first movement of “Test Drive” is characterized by a vibrant syncopated rhythm reminiscent of a car's engine. This rhythm permeates the entire movement, accompanied by jazz-influenced idioms that uniquely flavor the melody.

The second movement features a slow, thick texture created from the overlapping parts based on the syncopated rhythm presented in the first movement. Dovetailing (blending one instrument with another group of instruments) results in an overall texture that moves from one musician to a large group of musicians.

The third movement of “Test Drive” takes the listener on a thrilling journey, heavily influenced by Andriessen's “Hoketus.” It features unexpected 'big band' pops and a repeating accompaniment. The material gradually evolves, propelled by syncopated rhythms, until the ensemble reaches the recap of the first movement. This climax is a burst of energy that concludes the composition with a powerful finale.

“Test Drive” is highly recommended for collegiate students and professionals.